Hat-trick hero Ronaldo secures stunning comeback and sends Juventus into quarter-finals
Portuguese star scored two headers before completing his hat-trick from the spot and spectacularly overturning a two-goal deficit from the first leg
CRISTIANO RONALDO was meant to bring the Champions League glory he has basked in so many times back to Turin.
And he single-handedly wiped out Atletico Madrid's advantage and sent Juventus to the quarter-finals with a brilliant hat-trick, hoping he can indeed accomplish the mission he was entrusted with.
The Portuguese star, 34, opened his palm wide as he was leaving the mixed zone at Wanda Metropolitano three weeks ago to remind Atletico Madrid fans just who Mr Champions League truly is.
"I won five," he then murmured, recalling how many times he had ecstatically lifted the "big ears" up in the air.
Ronaldo proved again that a big European night is when he is most in his element, scoring two powerful headers before securing a memorable comeback from the penalty spot.
Crushed Atletico Madrid barely threatened Wojciech Szczesny's goal, as Diego Simeone's men missed the ruthlessness of suspended striker Diego Costa.
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Juventus knew how daunting their task would be and vehemently threw themselves at Atletico from the start.
VAR - so helpful in the first leg - stood in their way this time and ruled out Giorgio Chellini's early goal.
Just before the half hour mark nothing could have stopped Ronaldo's trademark bullet header as Juve's talisman loomed over Juanfran and sent the ball home, courtesy of Federico Bernardeschi's brilliant delivery.
Atletico seemed to be petrified as they had conceded their first ever goal against Juventus, barely offering any threat in the game.
The football gods were on Ronaldo's side as he drew things level with yet another deadly header - goal-line technology denying the unfortunate Jan Oblak a glorious, flying save.
Ronaldo's effort inspired the mighty Old Lady as the hosts relentlessly tried to force in a third, decisive goal, with Bernardeschi wreaking havoc among the helpless Atletico defence.
And it was written in the stars the Portuguese veteran had to seal the spectacular comeback with a hat-trick - reducing watching partner Georgina Rodriguez to tears - when Bernardeschi won the crucial penalty with only four minutes to go.